Looking at the finances and projected WAR, it is certain that the Red Sox will not sign Drew. They might work with Boras to create a team to bid against in the name of getting a guy a contract, but it will be nothing more than posturing. They only have a couple mil to spend, so unless they make a trade to free up money... what you see is what you get.

Looking at the finances and projected WAR, it is certain that the Red Sox will not sign Drew. They might work with Boras to create a team to bid against in the name of getting a guy a contract, but it will be nothing more than posturing. They only have a couple mil to spend, so unless they make a trade to free up money... what you see is what you get.

I agree that Drew is a long shot, as there are enough people in the organization who feel Bogaerts can play SS and Middlebrooks deserves a longer look. On the other hand, if a guy like Kemp had the right medical report, a Middlebrooks, Gomes, Peavy/Dempster, prospect type move isn't that far fetched if LA picked up some freight. That would certainly open the door for Drew. From what I hear, Drew has a lot of people in his corner within the Sox organization. I wouldn't worry too much about the luxury cap in December, either.

Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe believes that re-signing Stephen Drew remains an possibility for the Red Sox.

Abraham cautions detractors not to underestimate how much the Red Sox like the veteran shortstop. His market has been incredibly quiet this winter, and the World Champions would love to bring him back at a discount to provide defensive stability at shortstop while having an insurance policy in case Will Middlebrooks falters at third base.

We have to try and be consistent here. Can we celebrate re- signing Napoli for 16 mil per, then ridicule the Yankees for signing Beltran for 15 mil per ? The difference between two and three years is not such a big deal. While Beltran is older, he seems to be in as good, or better , shape than Napoli. I think most people in baseball would say that Beltran is the better player. We are certainly on a World Series high, but let's not lose sight of reality. Some of us are extolling Ben's every move, while underestimating the moves of other G.M.s. That can change in a hurry. It is a very competitive business. If you slip just a bit, others can pass you up very quickly. We are the champions. At this moment, we are probably not as good a team as we were last October. I hope that Ben has more plans in mind. Let's not get too smug in the meantime.

Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe believes that re-signing Stephen Drew remains an possibility for the Red Sox.

Abraham cautions detractors not to underestimate how much the Red Sox like the veteran shortstop. His market has been incredibly quiet this winter, and the World Champions would love to bring him back at a discount to provide defensive stability at shortstop while having an insurance policy in case Will Middlebrooks falters at third base.

The Red Sox should know the need for experience at that pivotal position. There's just so much going on that has to be factored in when you're playing SS. And so much that involves other positions as well. I don't want a newbie at SS, with something to prove and panic only seconds away. The Tigers know this as well.

Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe believes that re-signing Stephen Drew remains an possibility for the Red Sox.

Abraham cautions detractors not to underestimate how much the Red Sox like the veteran shortstop. His market has been incredibly quiet this winter, and the World Champions would love to bring him back at a discount to provide defensive stability at shortstop while having an insurance policy in case Will Middlebrooks falters at third base.

The Red Sox should know the need for experience at that pivotal position. There's just so much going on that has to be factored in when you're playing SS. And so much that involves other positions as well. I don't want a newbie at SS, with something to prove and panic only seconds away. The Tigers know this as well.

Derek Jeter was the starting SS for a World Series Champion during his first full season. Cal Ripken, Nomar Garciaparra, Alex Rodriguez & Troy Tulowitski, among others, all had excellent seasons as rookie starting shortstops. I don't think "experience" is as much of a key factor at shortstop as "talent" is. Xander Bogaerts has a ton of talent. While there's still a slim chance that he won't be the starting SS next year if they move Middlebrooks (It is and always has been highly doubtful in my opinion), I don't think anyone is going to be worrying about the shortstop position after 2014.

As a fan I choose to be thrilled to have Napoli back. You can crunch the numbers and whine a little bit about it and talk about Ks, but I like his RH bat and I love the presence on this team.

Sox just lost an All Star that could not wait to leave skidmarks getting out of Boston, like, let's face it. plenty of guys.

Here's a pivotal guy from a Sox WS Championship thats a nice fit and a great character guy and a guy that LOVES being in Boston. He's a fine glove and it eliminates the disturbing thought of Middlebrooks at first. I like having him on the team I root for.

Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe believes that re-signing Stephen Drew remains an possibility for the Red Sox.

Abraham cautions detractors not to underestimate how much the Red Sox like the veteran shortstop. His market has been incredibly quiet this winter, and the World Champions would love to bring him back at a discount to provide defensive stability at shortstop while having an insurance policy in case Will Middlebrooks falters at third base.

The Red Sox should know the need for experience at that pivotal position. There's just so much going on that has to be factored in when you're playing SS. And so much that involves other positions as well. I don't want a newbie at SS, with something to prove and panic only seconds away. The Tigers know this as well.

Derek Jeter was the starting SS for a World Series Champion during his first full season. Cal Ripken, Nomar Garciaparra, Alex Rodriguez & Troy Tulowitski, among others, all had excellent seasons as rookie starting shortstops. I don't think "experience" is as much of a key factor at shortstop as "talent" is. Xander Bogaerts has a ton of talent. While there's still a slim chance that he won't be the starting SS next year if they move Middlebrooks (It is and always has been highly doubtful in my opinion), I don't think anyone is going to be worrying about the shortstop position after 2014.

Well, I think we saw a starting SS in the playoffs, supposedly the best there was among his peers. In comparison, our SS saved us in a lot of games. There are exceptions, and your list includes the most outstanding of SSs, but I didn't think Bogaerts was all that great when I saw him. He was fine, but I'd still take Drew.